Bowling ball rolling device



Sept. 14, 1965 GQ EVANS BOWLING BALL ROLLING DEVICE 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed March 4, 1963 INVENTOR.

GILBERT E EVANS MATTORNEYS Sept. 14, 1965 G. F. EVANS 3,206,202

BOWLING BALL ROLLING DEVICE Filed March 4, 1963 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 'INVENTOR GIL/sem- F. EVANS ATTORNEYS United States Patent 3,296,202 BOWLING BALL ROLLING DEVICE Gilbert F. Evans, Old Saybrook, Conn., assignor to Waldon Tool Company, New Haven, Conn., a corporation of Connecticut Filed Mar. 4, 1963, Ser. No. 262,686 8 Claims. (Cl. 27364) This invention relates to a portable bowling device, and more particularly to a ball caddy for assisting a bowler in effecting proper delivery of a bowling ball toward the pins on a bowling alley.

In standard tenpin bowling, the size and weight of the bowling ball often presents difilculties for the average bowler. Quite frequently he does not own a bowling ball fitted to his particular weight preference and size of finger grip, but simply uses any ball supplied with the rental of an alley. Usually therefore he must make substantial compromise is respect to these factors in using whatever balls are available. Where teams are bowling on the same alley or on adjacent alleys, delays are frequently caused by a bowler waiting for the return of a ball he has selected but Which is also being used by another bowler in the group. To avoid the delay, the only alternative is to use any available ball even through its grip and weight are not suitable. The accuracy and consistency of the bowlers game is obviously adversely affected by this.

These disadvantages can be overcome, of course, by the bowler purchasing a ball of his own, but this involves an expense which many would-be bowlers do not feel is justified or practical for them.

The invention herein disclosed is accordingly designed to eliminate these difiiculties. To this end, there is provided a portable hand-held device or caddy for releasably cradling a bowling ball, which permits the user to bowl any standard tenpin ball in normal fashion, without reference to the size and location of the finger holes in the ball. The caddy also makes it easier to control a ball of diiferent or greater weight than he or she might otherwise be able to handle conveniently. The device is so designed that it has a minimum effect upon the normal swing and release of the ball by the bowler, and on his control of the ball at the time or release. It is a particular feature of the invention that the ball is so cradled in the caddy device that it may be brought into contact with the alley, at the point of release, while still in the caddy. This is in contrast to most arrangements heretofore provided by other devices intended to serve the same general purpose. Thus a tendency which many of r these prior devices have to produce lofting of the ball at the time of release is overcome.

In addition to the specific objectives already mentioned it is a general obpjective to provide a device of the character described which is of simple construction and minimum expense, well within the practical reach of the average bowler, and which can be easily carried by him to the bowling alley.

These and other features of the novel device will be described in connection with several embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. These of course are simply illustrative of specific forms which the invention may assume, and it will be apparent that various modifications in the arrangements shown can be made embodying the concept herein disclosed.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred form of the caddy device and a bowling ball in their relative positions immediately after release of the ball from the caddy on the forward swing of a bowler;

' the handle.

FIG. 2 is a view in side elevation of the caddy, with a ball shown in dotted line position in the caddy;

FIG. 3 is a view in front elevation of the caddy, a ball again being shown in dotted line;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 1, of a modified form of caddy;

FIG. 5 is a view in side elevation of the caddy shown in FIG. 4, and

FIG. 6 is a view in front elevation of the caddy of FIG. 4.

The device illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 3 represents the presently preferred form of the invention. Caddy 10 generally resembles a scoop having a pocket-forming member 12 in which a ball B is adapted to be cradled, and having a handle 14 by which to pick up the caddy and a ball cradled therein. Member 12 is formed by a thin shell of metal or plastic, having substantial rigidity. Very suitable material is sheet aluminum approximately oneeighth of an inch thick. The shell is of roughly spherical triangular form, with a spherical diameter just slightly larger than that of a ball to be cradled therein. Handle 14 is a secured by any suitable means to the peak or apex 13 of the triangular member 12 so that the grip portion 16 projects forwardly of the scoop in radially spaced relation to the surface of a ball therein. The spacing of the grip 16 relative to the shell 12 is sufficient to permit a bowlers fingers to pass freely between the ball and the grip, yet it is kept close enough so a bowlers wrist is about the same distance from the center of the ball as when the regular finger holds are used.

The triangular shell 12 is preferably truncated at its peak or apex 13, and the base opposite this apex is formed with a recess or indentation 18 of circular outline, the radius of which is less than the spherical radius of the shell. This indentation produces a pair of cusplike arms 20 which support a ball at points equidistant, respectively on either side of the central vertical plane bisecting the open-face of the scoop. This plane is the one defined by the longitudinal axis x-x of handle 14 and the perpendicular y-y thereto passing through the spherical center 0 of the scoop, and also of the ball of course. In this way, arms 20 engage the surface of a ball at circumferentially spaced points, as seen best in FIG. 2, located (in their projection on the central vertical plane) between the center and lowermost points on the surface of the ball. The ball can thus be brought into sliding contact with the alley while still in the caddy, just as in the case of a normal bowling delivery where sliding contact of the ball with the floor may be made prior to release of the bowlers fingers from the finger holds.

Referring to FIG. 2, it will be seen that the maximum circumferential extent of the scoop or pocket member 12, as viewed in this projection is somewhat more than semicircular. Preferably this maximum circumferential extent is on the order of 200 to 210 in the projection on the central vertical plane defined by axes xx and yy. The minimum circumferential dimension of the scoop occurs at the midpoint of indentation 155, and preferably the subtended angle is about in the projection on the central vertical plane. It will also be seen from FIG. 2 that the pocket formed by scoop 12 tilts downwardly slightly, relative to the axis xx of Thus the trace zz of a plane perpendicular to the aforesaid vertical plane and passing through the apex 13 and spherical center 0 forms an included angle of about 10 to 12 with the axis y-y. At the point A where trace zz intersects the arms 20 of scoop 12, a change in the curvature of the scoop occurs, otherwise the lip or forward portions 24 of arms 20, which are the free end portions to the left of point A in FIG. 2, would interfere with the free entry and exit of a ball relative to the scoop. Good results are obtained by having lip portions 24 project straight out from point A, tangent to the spherical surface of the scoop 12 at that point. The lips 24 thus provide some added assistance in holding a ball in the scoop, but do not interfere with its free entry and exit.

The width of the scoop is not critical, again subject to the maximum semicircular limitation. For minimum weight yet consistent with adequate control of the ball, an angular width of about 60 is found quite satisfactory. This is the angle subtended by lines, as viewed in FIG. 3, drawn from each outer tip of leg 20 to the point of intersection of the central vertical axis with apex 13.

In practice, when the bowler uses the caddy, he grasps the handle 14 so that the thumb and index finger are adjacent the outer, free end of the handle and the scoop 12 is held in depending position slightly back of the hand. When a ball is placed in the scoop, the weight of the ball tends to pivot the caddy clockwise, as viewed in FIG. 2, and this helps to keep the ball in the pocket. The bowler then uses a standard bowling delivery, swinging the caddy with a ball cradled therein backward'as he advances toward the foul line of the alley. Centrifugal force holds the ball in scoop 12 during this back swing. The bowler then swings the caddy downwardly and forwardly as he approaches to the fowl line, bringing the arc of his swing tangent to the surface of the alley so that at the instant of release the ball is in contact with the alley. By twisting the wrist, the bowler may impart a spin to the ball as it leaves the caddy, in much the same manner as a twist is given to the ball using the conventional finger grips. It is evident from the foregoing that the device requires virtually no change in a bowlers style of delivery nor in the manipulation of a ball in comparison with the normal style and the manipulation employed when using the conventional finger holds.

A slightly different arrangement is illustrated in FIGS. 4 through 6. In this instance, caddy takes the form of a spider or frame constructed of metal tubing or rod. This frame comprises a pair of substantially semicircularly bent tubes 52, 54 which are joined, as by welding, at one of their ends, while their opposite free ends are spread. An arcute brace 56 welded intermediate the extent of the tubes holds them in spread position so that the tubes 52, 54 are disposed in intersecting planes which form a dihedral angle of about 60", as seen in FIG. 6. The outline of the frame thus formed is again generally that of a spherical triangle having its apex 53 at the junction of tubes 52, 54. The frame also includes an axial stub 60 welded to the apex 58 to which a short tube 62 is fastened substantially perpendicularly to project forwardly of the device. A formed rubber grip 64 is telescoped over tube 62 to provide a convenient and comfortable handle for the caddy.

As seen in FIGS. 5 and 6, the frame provides an openfaced pocket for the reception of a bowling ball, the radius of curvature of the several tubular members 52, 54, 56 being just sufficiently greater than that of a ball to allow the latter to enter and leave the pocket freely. As in the case of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the circumferential extent of tubular members 52, 54 is somewhat greater than a semicircle. Again the major arcuate portion of these members is truly circular but each tube has a minor terminal portion or lip 64, 66, respectively, of substantially straight extent. As before, the lips 64, 66 are tangential to the main arcuate portions of the tubes 52, 54 at points approximately 180 from the joined ends of the respective tubes.

As shown in the illustration, the device in this case also includes a pivoted finger 70 attached to the apex 58 of the intersecting tubular members 52, 54. This finger is also tubular and of arcuate form, having a radius equal to that of the radius of members 52, 54. Finger is provided with a trigger 72 located directly below the projecting hand grip 64. This trigger, which is engageable by the little finger of the bowler while he grips the handle 64, allows him to pivot finger 70 toward and away from the surface of a ball. Pivoting of finger 70 upwardly permits a ball to be received in the pocket formed by the tubular members, after which the finger may be pivoted downwardly against the surface of the ball. This arrangement provides further assurance of maintaining the ball in the device until such time as it is desired to release it for a roll on the alley. In using the device, when the bowler reaches a point in his swing where the swing is substantially tangent to the alley surface, the bowler pivots finger 70 upwardly away from the surface of the ball, thus allowing the ball to roll freely out of the pocket.

As already mentioned, in both forms of the invention the ball is held in the caddy in a manner which permits contact to occur between the ball and the alley floor, without interference from the bowling device. In the device shown in FIGS. 1 through 3, this is permitted by the indentation or recess in the base of the triangular spherical shell 12; and in the second embodiment by the straddling arrangement of the tubular members 52, 54. This is important in enabling a normal delivery of the ball to be effected by the bowler while using the holding device, and helps to prevent a tendency of the bowler to loft the ball, causing it to drop onto the alley, rather than slide smoothly along the alley from the point of release.

It will be apparent that the holder shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 may be modified to include a pivoted finger or tab portion similar to the finger 70 shown in the alternate device of FIGS. 4 to 6. Thus a hinged extension of the shell 12 may be pivotally secured to the truncated apex of the shell, beneath the grip, and provided with a trigger for engagement by the finger of the bowler, as explained in connection with caddy 50.

A further refinement may also be effected in caddy 50 through the use of tubular plastic sleeves 74 slipped over the terminal or lip portions 64, 66 of members 52, 54; and also on finger 70. These tubular sleeves 74 give better frictional engagement of the ball by the holder, when the ball is cradled in it, thereby assuring a better control of the ball, as in throwing a hook. Similarly, the lips 24 of shell 12 in the prepared device may be coated with a friction-promoting material, such as a plastic or rubbery material sprayed or otherwise applied to this portion of the device.

Various other modifications within the scope of the invention will be apparent from the foregoing description and may be incorporated without departing from the scope of the invention and are accordingly intended to be covered by the claims.

What is claimed is:

1. A bowling ball caddy, comprising a pocket-form ing member for receiving and supporting a ball, and a handle secured to said member by which to suspend said member with a ball cradled therein, said member constituting a substantially rigid scoop of roughlyhemispherical form providing an open face, the spherical diameter of the scoop being only slightly greater than that of a ball to be cradled therein; said handle lying in the central vertical plane bisecting the open face of said scoop and being secured to said scoop to project forwardly and in overlying relation to said open face of said scoop generally transversely to the plane of said open face; said scoop having a recess in its periphery at a point substantially diameterically opposite said handle to provide a pair of arms spaced equidistant, respectively, from said central vertical plane, whereby said arms are adapted to engage a ball cradled in said scoop at circumferentially spaced points between the center and lowermost points on the surface of the ball.

2. A bowling ball caddy as defined in claim 1, wherein said pocket-forming member is generally of spherical triangular form and said handle is secured at the apex thereof.

3. A bowling ball caddy as defined in claim 1, wherein said pocket-forming member is formed of sheeet material of substantial rigidity and is generally of spherical triangular form with said handle secured at the apex thereof.

4. A bowling ball caddy as defined in claim 1, wherein said arms are provided with terminal lip portions which extend tangentially from said scoop.

5. A bowling ball caddy as defined in claim 2, wherein the edge of said pocket-forming member diametrically opposite said handle is circularly indented forming an arc whose radius is smaller than the sperical radius of said scoop.

6. A portable bowling device for a bowling ball, which comprises a pocket member for releasably cradling a bowling ball, and a hand grip for said device; said pocket member comprising an integral, substantially rigid shell of sheet material and being generally of spherical triangular form whose spherical diameter is only slightly greater than that of a ball to be cradled therein; said shell being hemispherical in extent to provide an open face and said hand grip being attached to the apex of said triangular shell and projecting forwardly above said open face and generally transversely to the plane thereof in radially spaced relation to the hemispherical pocket formed by said shell.

7. A portable bowling device as defined in claim 6, wherein the edge of said shell diametrically opposite said hand grip is circularly indented forming an arc whose radius is smaller than the spherical radius of said shell.

8. A portable bowling device for a bowling ball, which comprises a frame of generally spherical triangular form for releasably cradling a bowling ball and a handle therefor to permit said device to be picked up with a ball cradled therein, said frame being formed of a pair of semicircular frarne members joined at one end and having their lower free ends spaced apart a distance less than the diameter of a ball to be retained therein, and an arcuate web portion joined to said semicircular frame members intermediate their ends to hold said last members in spaced relation whereby to form an open-faced pocket of generally hemispherical extent, said handle be ing secured to said semicircular frame members adjacent the joined ends thereof and projecting forwardly of the open-faced pocket generally transversely of the plane thereof in radially spaced relation to said pocket.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,180,119 4/16 Ericson 29433 1,199,330 9/16 Adams 27364 2,263,602 11/41 Whittle 1241 2,538,325 1/51 Pfeiifer 29419 3,033,567 5/62 Raab 27364 X DELBERT B. LOWE, Primary Examiner. 

6. A PORTABLE BOWLING DEVICE FOR A BOWLING BALL, WHICH COMPRISES A POCKET MEMBER FOR RELEASABLY CRADLING A BOWLING BALL, AND A HAND GRIP FOR SAID DEVICE; SAID POCKET MEMBER COMPRISING AN INTERGRAL, SUBSTANTIALLY RIGID SHELL OF SHEET MATERIAL AND BEING GENERALLY OF SPHERICAL TRIANGULAR FORM WHOSE SPHERICAL DIAMETER IS ONLY SLIGHTLY GREATER THAN THAT OF A BALL TO BE CRADLED THEREIN; SAID SHELL BEING HEMISPHERICAL IN EXTENT TO PROVIDE AN OPEN FACE AND SAID HAND GRIP BEING ATTACHED TO THE APEX OF SAID TRIANGULAR SHELL AND PROJECTING FORWARDLY ABOVE SAID OPEN FACE AND GENERALLY TRANSVERSELY TO THE PLANE THEREOF IN RADIALLY SPACED RELATION TO THE HEMISPHERICAL POCKET FORMED BY SAID SHELL. 